Arts Alive International Festival 2016
24th Edition of Arts Alive
City of Joburg
1 to 25 September 2016
The 2016 ARTS ALIVE FESTIVAL brings Joburg audiences the best in homegrown and overseas entertainment during the month of September.
The festival is 24 years old, and is a year away from celebrating its silver jubilee as an international African centered arts festival. But it is not just a build up to next year that we are planning towards, as this year we continue to build on the past years of cultural exchanges, connections and dialogues with Africans on the continent and it’s Diaspora.
This year’s Arts Alive programme will feature artists from across the globe; India, Portugal, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, USA, Zimbabwe and France. The artistic offerings will include music, theatre, literature, poetry, traditional dance and music. Music will include a diverse range from Jazz to Afrobeat, hip hop, kwaito, house, Jazz, dance hall reggae and much more.
“Arts Alive allows the people of greater Joburg and its visitors to experience uplifting arts and culture. Arts Alive brings you the best in South African and global entertainment. We believe that everyone should have the privilege of accessing and experiencing quality music and cultural offerings,” says Dudu Maseko, Executive Director: Community Development.
The Festival’s biggest event, JAZZ ON THE LAKE is not to be missed! It takes place at Zoo Lake on Sunday 4th September. It will start at 10am and run until 5:30pm, and it returns permanently to the Zoo Lake venue.
The event celebrates the beginning of Spring and launches the entire festival. It is free to the public and it’s an event for the whole family drawing on a diverse audience from across greater Joburg.
The highlight for JAZZ ON THE LAKE includes acclaimed Nigerian artist, Seun Kuti with his 14-piece band, son of the great Afrobeat world icon, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Artists also featured include Paco Sery and his Parisian Band (Ivory Coast/Paris). Paco Sery is regarded as one of the world’s best drummers. He has played with the likes of Nina Simone, the Joe Zaiwinal Syndicate to Wayne Shorter, Dee Dee Bridgewater, amongst many others.
Award-winning South African artists include Afro-soul singing sensation Nathi, Afropop act Mafikizolo and talented SA jazz trumpeter, fresh from his stint in New York, Lesedi Ntsane and his home grown band, The Azanian Peoples Movement.
Surrounding roads within the Parkview area will be closed and the public are encouraged to use the free Park ‘n Ride at the Metro Centre in Braamfontein and Marks Park in Emmerentia.. No bottles, alcohol and firearms will be allowed into the venue.
The Festival also partners with the Department of Arts and Culture to present the 4th African International Women Writers’ Symposium from September 15th to 17th, at The Fringe, Joburg Theatre, under the theme Witness and Memory. This symposium will feature local and international writers and poets. Bookings are essential but entrance is free; please contact Vincentia (011) 373 7526 / vincentias@joburg.org.za / urbanart10@gmail.com.
The Festival ends with a weekend of dance and music at the Soweto Theatre. The Urban Clash Event , exploring the urban musical clash concept, Arts Alive will feature Queen Ifrica, (Reggae-Jamaica), Hip Hop, Kwaito, House, Urban Dance on Saturday September 24th and the Festival ends on Sunday September 25th with the Traditional Song and Dance Festival combined with the Soweto Arts and Craft market.
Other highlights include:
Paco Sery Band Live (Ivory Coast/Paris): Saturday 3rd September at 9pm: Joburg Theatre at ‘’Stages’’: Tickets R150.
Moving Entertainment in the various regions from A – G including Alexander Township, Diepsloot, Orange Farm, Braamfischer/Tshepisong, Inner City, Soweto. This programme will feature local and emerging artists in the various performing arts genres.
SHARED HISTORY FESTIVAL
Tuesday 31 August to Sunday 4 September, The Fringe, Joburg Theatre
The Shared History Festival is proud to celebrate the 10th year of the Indian Experience in South Africa. They will present interesting performances from India including music, dance and comedy.
On Sunday 9 September, a classical concert with Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty will be performed on The Mandela stage, Joburg Theatre. Pt. Ajoy Chakrabarty is an Indian Hindustani classical vocalist, composer, lyricist and Guru, poised nearly as a cult figure among all the Legendary Indian Classical Musicians.
Tickets are available by visiting http://www.joburgtheatre.com/ or calling 0861 670 670, as well as through Webtickets.
MARITIME ODE
Saturday 3 September, The Fringe, Joburg Theatre
The Embassy of Portugal will present a production direct from Portugal with music and poetry.
Tickets are available by visiting http://www.joburgtheatre.com/ or calling 0861 670 670, as well as through Webtickets.
MOSHITO MUSIC CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION will present a concert CENSORED: AN AFRO-WORLD NIGHT CONCERT at the Joburg Theatre, Mandela stage, on Thursday 8 September at 7pm, featuring Roger Lucey, The Soil, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse and Thlokwe Sihume.
Tickets are available by visiting http://www.joburgtheatre.com/ or calling 0861 670 670, as well as through Webtickets.
HILLBROW THEATRE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL
September 2nd to 10th and 17th
LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
September 10th and 11th, The Mandela, Joburg Theatre
Multi Grammy award-winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo will be coming to the city of Gold to celebrate their 56th Anniversary. The show starts at 7pm on Saturday and 4pm on Sunday.
Tickets range from R155 to R250 and are available by visiting http://www.joburgtheatre.com/ or calling 0861 670 670, as well as through Webtickets.
LA PLI I DONN
Sunday 18 September, The Mandela, Joburg Theatre
A contemporary Circus presented by the French Institute; a multidisciplinary show which combines circus performances together with music, and acrobats from Reunion, Madagascar and South Africa. Tickets range from R120 to R220 and are available by visiting http://www.joburgtheatre.com/ or calling 0861 670 670, as well as through Webtickets.
ELDOS JAZZ CONCERT
Sunday 18 September at Eldos
A free Jazz concert for the community featuring a diverse range of artists including South Africa legend Sipho Hotstix Mabuse and internationally acclaimed Jazz singers; Deborah J Carter (USA) and Ntjam Rosie (Dutch-Cameroon).
Jazz Legend Hugh Masekela, Queen Ifrica (Reggae Queen Sensation: Direct from Jamaica) will be performing on The Mandela stage, Joburg Theatre on Friday 23 September.
The Brown Dash Tribute Concert: Saturday 24 September at Orlando Stadium: A special curated concert paying tribute to the late Kwaito icon, Brown Dash. The concert features an exciting range of artists from Mandoza, Pro, Gigi Lamayne, Zola 7, Zakwe, Major league Djs and much more. Tickets available from computicket . R100.
The Arts Alive Rock/Blues and Folk Night featuring international award-winning Rock and Blues guitarist Dan Patlansky and friends, Laurie Levine and Josie Field; Nakhane Touré, will be performing on The Mandela stage, Joburg Theatre on Saturday 24 September.
Speak The Mind Poetry Festival: International and local performance poets and music on the 23/24 September at Main on Moad: Maboneng Joburg City.
There are many more exciting events as part the ARTS ALIVE 2016 programme. Please visit the Arts Alive International Festival Facebook page and website http://www.arts-alive.co.za/ for more information.
